Ezekiel 30 16

Ezekiel 30:16 kjv

And I will set fire in Egypt: Sin shall have great pain, and No shall be rent asunder, and Noph shall have distresses daily.

Ezekiel 30:16 nkjv

And set a fire in Egypt; Sin shall have great pain, No shall be split open, And Noph shall be in distress daily.

Ezekiel 30:16 niv

I will set fire to Egypt; Pelusium will writhe in agony. Thebes will be taken by storm; Memphis will be in constant distress.

Ezekiel 30:16 esv

And I will set fire to Egypt; Pelusium shall be in great agony; Thebes shall be breached, and Memphis shall face enemies by day.

Ezekiel 30:16 nlt

Yes, I will set fire to all Egypt!
Pelusium will be racked with pain;
Thebes will be torn apart;
Memphis will live in constant terror.

Ezekiel 30 verses

Ezekiel 30 16 Meaning

This verse declares that Egypt, though once powerful and proud, will be struck with great fear and devastation. It signifies divine judgment upon Egypt, impacting its entirety from Migdol to Syene, and bringing ruin through the hand of the Lord.

Ezekiel 30 16 Context

Ezekiel 30:16 is part of a larger oracle of judgment against Egypt (Ezekiel 29-32). This prophecy comes during the Babylonian exile, a time when Judah was looking to Egypt for political and military assistance against Babylon. However, Ezekiel is commissioned to declare that such reliance is misplaced, and Egypt itself will face severe judgment. This verse specifically targets the futility of Egypt's strength and its allies, foretelling a complete destruction orchestrated by God. The preceding verses detail the collapse of Egypt's might and military prowess, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the impending doom.

Ezekiel 30 16 Word Analysis

• וּבְשַׂרְתִּי (u'visharti): "And I will set fire." The verb saraph (שרף) means to burn. This is a strong verb signifying destruction by fire, a common metaphor for divine judgment and purification in the Old Testament. It indicates a thorough and consuming obliteration.
• מִצְרַיִם (Mitzrayim): "Egypt." This is the Hebrew name for Egypt, referring to the land and its people. Egypt was a significant ancient power often in opposition or alignment with Israel and Judah.
• וּפַחַד (u'fachad): "And fear." The noun pachad (פחד) denotes dread, terror, or alarm. It signifies profound emotional distress and apprehension.
• יִגַּע (yigga'): "Will strike" or "will touch." The verb naga' (נגע) can mean to touch, reach, or smite. Here, it implies an impacting blow of terror that will afflict Egypt.
• מִגְדּוֹל (Migdol): "Migdol." A fortified city or tower in northern Egypt, often mentioned as a border town (e.g., Exodus 14:2; Jeremiah 44:1).
• עַד־סִיאֵנֵי (ad-Syene): "As far as Syene." Syene (modern Aswan) was a city in southern Egypt on the border with Nubia. This phrase denotes the extent of the judgment – the entire land from north to south.
• וְשֵׁבֶת (u'shevet): "And inhabitants" or "those who dwell." The root shav (שב) means to sit, dwell, or inhabit.
• בְּחֶרֶב (be'cherev): "By the sword." Cherev (חרב) refers to a sword, a weapon of war and conquest.
• אֱלֹהֵי (Elohei): "The oracle of God." This appears to be an incomplete phrase within the English translation of verse 16 as provided by some sources; however, in many Hebrew manuscripts, the verse continues or the context implies divine agency. The emphasis is on God's direct involvement.
• מַכָּה (makkah): "A blow" or "a stroke." A severe affliction or wound, signifying divine judgment delivered forcefully.
• נְאֻם (neum): "Declares" or "says." This word introduces prophetic pronouncements.

Words Group Analysis

• "I will set fire to Egypt": This phrase emphasizes a destructive judgment, similar to that which consumed Sodom and Gomorrah. It speaks of total annihilation by fire, a symbol of God's consuming wrath.
• "and great fear will seize Migdol as far as Syene": This describes the widespread and absolute terror that will affect all of Egypt, from its northern frontier (Migdol) to its southern limits (Syene). The terror is so pervasive that it "seizes" the people.
• "and the inhabitants who dwell there by the sword": This points to the military aspect of the judgment. The destruction will be carried out by a foreign enemy's sword, leading to death and displacement.
• "declares the Lord": This reaffirms the divine authority behind the prophecy, assuring that these events are the pronouncements of Yahweh, the sovereign Lord of all nations.

Ezekiel 30 16 Bonus Section

This verse, along with the surrounding oracle against Egypt, reflects a recurring theme in the prophets: God's judgment extends to all nations, not just Israel. Egypt, despite its ancient prominence and its interactions with Israel, is not exempt from divine justice. The specificity of the locations, Migdol to Syene, emphasizes the thoroughness of God's judgment and underscores that His reach extends to every corner of the earth. This comprehensive destruction is a testament to God's power and His ultimate authority over human empires, a truth that would have been particularly relevant to the exiled Israelites who felt powerless against their captors. The prophecy also serves as a warning to any nation that would oppose God's purposes or oppress His people.

Ezekiel 30 16 Commentary

Ezekiel 30:16 presents a stark prophecy of judgment against Egypt. God declares His intention to unleash destructive forces, symbolized by fire, upon Egypt. This fire represents more than mere physical burning; it signifies the total ruin and obliteration of Egypt's power, pride, and idolatrous practices. The prophecy extends this devastation geographically, from Migdol in the north to Syene in the south, indicating that no part of the land will escape this judgment. The fear that will grip the inhabitants signifies a deep psychological and spiritual impact, reflecting the consequences of resisting God's will or His people. The mention of the "sword" highlights the means by which this judgment will be carried out—likely through a conquering army, reflecting the historical reality of foreign invasions. Ultimately, the verse is a powerful declaration of God's sovereignty over all nations, even mighty Egypt, demonstrating that He will hold them accountable for their actions and their defiance.

• Practical Implication: Trusting in human might or political alliances instead of God leads to ultimate disappointment and judgment.